WASHINGTON D.C. – Christine Chen, Executive Director of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, issued the following statement in response to President Joe Biden’s second inaugural State of the Union address given last night.
“Over the last two years, President Joe Biden and the 117th Congress made significant legislative victories that will have long-lasting positive impacts for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The president reflected upon many of these accomplishments last night, and we are appreciative that the president understands that despite this – our work is far from over.”
“We applaud the president doubling down on the importance of acting on gun violence. Gun violence is plaguing communities all across the country, and Asian Americans are no exception. It has taken the lives of many in our communities, most recently in places like Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, California. It is no surprise our Asian American Voter Survey found nearly 8 in 10 Asian American voters believe in stronger gun regulations. The president showed he stood with us in our pain from these recent shootings, and we praise him and the first lady for inviting and recognizing hero Brandon Tsay. The president was successful in passing the first meaningful gun legislation in several decades in the last Congress, and we are hopeful this is only the beginning.”
“The president also made clear that his administration understands the importance of protecting our nation’s democracy. The freedom to vote and free, fair elections remain two of the most key parts of ensuring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are able to make their voices heard and make an impact in their communities across the country. The fight for our democracy is not over, and we appreciate that the president agrees.”
“Additionally, with the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, largest investment in combating climate change and rebuilding our infrastructure in decades, protection of same-sex and interracial marriage, among other accomplishments, it's clear many of the concerns Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders care about are being acted on.”
“We reflect positively on these wins, but there is still work to do. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders must continue to go to the ballot box consistently and in large numbers not only so we can continue to see progress for our communities, but to enshrine our freedom and ability to vote. As the president said, ‘there’s one reason why we’re able to do all of these things: our democracy itself.’ We must continue to fight back against attempts to scare, dissuade, or otherwise disenfranchise Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders from participating in the democratic process, and we look forward to working with this administration and Congress to keep the promise of democracy alive for us.”
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